Would You Go to Mars If You Could Never Come Back to Earth?

The five would-be astronauts in this film contemplate a possible one-way trip to Mars. A private foundation called Mars One plans to send a crew of four to colonize the red planet by 2025. The candidates have made it through the first round of the selection process. Here, they discuss why they'd leave Earth to live on Mars. It was a childhood dream for one applicant; another interviewee says he won’t miss people much. As they talk about the decision to leave Earth forever, they reflect on what would ultimately make them stay. This piece was a partnership between Vita Brevis Films and Video West.

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the world and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. To submit a film for consideration, please email sfs@natgeo.com. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.